MLB Takes Control of Broadcasts for Six Teams Amid RSN Collapse
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MLB is stepping in to directly manage the broadcasts for six additional teams beginning in 2026 – the Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, cardinals, and Reds – as the regional sports network (RSN) model continues to unravel. This move follows the termination of broadcast deals with Main Street Sports last month, leaving the Braves, Tigers, and Angels still seeking formal broadcast plans for the current year, as reported by John Ourand of Puck.
The Demise of Regional Sports Networks
The shift underscores the long-term struggles of regional sports networks (RSNs), exacerbated by cord-cutting and the rise of streaming services. Formerly known as Diamond Sports Group and operating under the Bally Sports banner, the company filed for bankruptcy in March 2023. This collapse has forced MLB to take a more active role in distributing its games.
MLB’s Direct-to-Consumer Approach
MLB began experimenting with direct control of broadcasts in 2022, taking over the distribution for several teams. In those instances, the league largely maintained existing broadcast personnel and, crucially, eliminated local blackouts. Fans gained the ability to purchase streaming packages directly from MLB, a critically important benefit for those without traditional cable subscriptions.
However, this direct control comes at a financial cost to teams. Instead of guaranteed fees from RSNs, teams now receive revenue based on streaming numbers. While viewership expands, the financial returns are significantly lower. According to travis Sawchik of MLB.com, the new model generates roughly 50% of the revenue previously provided by RSNs.
On-Field Implications and Payroll Concerns
The reduced revenue stream is already impacting team operations. Several clubs,including the Padres and Twins,have seen decreases in player payrolls in recent years. this financial constraint seemingly played a role in the trades of Juan Soto from the Padres to the yankees and Carlos Correa from the Twins to the Astros.
“The lower spending capacity seemingly had an impact on recent player moves,” a senior official stated.
Expanding MLB’s Broadcast Portfolio
MLB’s involvement is growing rapidly. In September, ESPN secured the local rights for five teams for the next three years. The Mariners also moved to the league model in September, and the Nationals followed suit last month. Assuming the league continues to offer streaming packages for the five teams it managed in 2025, MLB could control broadcasts for at least 13 teams in the upcoming season, potentially exceeding half the league.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed a desire to market a streaming package similar to MLB.TV but without local blackout restrictions. Controlling a larger share of broadcast rights makes this goal more attainable. However, expanding further will be challenging, as many larger-market clubs currently have stable RSN deals and may be hesitant to join a pooled system.
A long-Term Strategy for Broadcast Rights
This shift is part of a broader league strategy extending to 2028,when a significant number of MLB’s broadcast deals expire. manfred aims to maintain flexibility and potentially sell combined rights packages to media companies. The recent ESPN deal, which initially fell apart before being restructured with contributions from Netflix and NBC/Peacock, exemplifies this approach.
The evolving broadcast landscape also has implications for the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, which expire December 1st of this year. MLB will likely seek to avoid disruptions that could jeopardize the league’s recent positive momentum in ratings and attendance, potentially boosted by the faster pace of play introduced with the pitch clock.
What This Means for Fans and teams
Fans of the affected teams can expect more information regarding broadcast options soon. the Cardinals have already announced streaming prices: $19.99 per month or $99.99 for the full season. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has outlined the situation for Marlins fans, with further details forthcoming.
For teams, while the streaming model offers less financial certainty, it provides clarity on revenue expectations. The Reds, for exmaple, reportedly paused player acquisition discussions untill their broadcast situation was resolved, ultimately reaching an agreement with Eugenio Suárez just yesterday.
This evolving broadcast landscape represents a significant turning point for Major League Baseball, reshaping how fans consume the game and impacting the financial realities for teams across the league.
